Per reports from Australian officials and media, a bystander who took a firearm from one of the suspected assailants during the Bondi Beach mass shooting has been identified as Ahmed al-Ahmed, whose refugee parents recently arrived from Syria.
Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two young girls, risked his life by confronting the supposed shooter and seizing the weapon during Sunday’s assault, which prompted an outpouring of citizen donations to support him and his family.
He was later shot by one of the two armed criminals—a father and son whose rampage on the beach, apparently targeted at a Jewish gathering and beachgoers, killed at least 15 individuals and wounded dozens more.
Dramatic footage of the confrontation, viewed millions of times on social media, displayed Ahmed taking cover behind a vehicle before charging at the shooter who had just fired. Sirens wailed and shots rang out as the two men wrestled for several seconds before Ahmed wrenched the pistol from the attacker’s grasp.
Ahmed pointed the weapon at the assailant, who then retreated.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a picture on X showing him shaking hands with Ahmed while the father of two lay in a hospital room, his left arm heavily bandaged.
“Ahmed, you are an Australian hero,” Albanese wrote.
“You risked yourself to save others, you ran toward danger at Bondi Beach and you disarmed a terrorist. In our darkest times, we see the very best of Australians. And that is what we saw on Sunday evening.”
Thousands of people have already donated over A$1.4 million (about $930,000) to a GoFundMe page established to support Ahmed “during his recovery” and to “honor this absolute hero,” according to the crowdfunding platform.
GoFundMe confirmed to CNN on Monday that it is working “directly with the fundraiser organizers to ensure a safe delivery of funds to Ahmed and his family.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is meeting with Ahmed al-Ahmed, who is recuperating in the hospital following injuries sustained in the attack.
NSW Premier Chris Minns meeting Ahmed al-Ahmed, recovering in hospital following injuries sustained in the assault. Chris Minns/Facebook
On Monday, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also shared a photograph of Ahmed recovering from injuries in the hospital. “Ahmed is a true hero. Last night his incredible bravery undoubtedly saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at immense personal risk,” Minns wrote on Facebook.
“It was an honor to spend time with him just now and convey the gratitude of the people across New South Wales. There is no doubt more lives would have been lost were it not for Ahmed’s selfless bravery. Thank you, Ahmed.”
Ahmed’s parents reported that he was wounded several times in the shoulder, with some bullets still embedded inside, according to Australia’s national broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
They had only relocated from Syria to Sydney a few months ago, although their son arrived in Australia in 2006, they informed the ABC. It is unclear whether Ahmed’s family are Syrian or of another nationality.
They added that Ahmed has two daughters—aged three and six—and that he was prepared to do anything to protect anyone.
“When he did what he did, he didn’t consider the background of the people he was saving, of the people dying on the street,” Ahmed’s father stated. “He makes no distinction between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there is no difference between one citizen and another.”
Speaking outside St George Hospital, Ahmed’s cousin Mustafa told 7News that he is doing fine but has not yet had surgery.
About the Author
